Toes are tiny parts of the body but when there is something wrong, the pain can be substantial. Nerve damage can be the cause of pain in the foot or big toe. Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that results from damage to the peripheral nerves and can cause numbness, pain, and weakness in the feet and toes. While it can be hard to figure out if this is going on, some things to look for include a slow but continual onset of numbness, a pins and needles feeling, or sharp, jabbing, or shooting pains in the feet that can spread to the toes. Additionally, one can suffer from a lack of coordination and falling as peripheral neuropathy can cause muscle weakness and paralysis. There are a host of causes for peripheral neuropathy, including but not limited to diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and infections. If you experience any of the symptoms described, it is important for you to see a podiatrist as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Peter C. Smith of Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lancaster, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Cracked heels are a common occurrence. Heels can become cracked from dry skin brought on by bathing for too long in water that is too hot, using harsh cleansers, not moisturizing enough, and having poor circulation. Foot problems can take longer to heal, and it is harder to keep feet free of infections. It is important for everyone, but especially diabetics, to check their feet regularly, wash, dry, and moisturize them daily, avoid going barefoot, trim toenails properly and carefully, and wear well-fitting shoes. If you have cracked heels that are not responding to routine foot care along with having diabetes as a complication, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and a treatment plan.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Peter C. Smith from Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lancaster, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot conditions may increase as people grow older. This is often the result of reduced fat pads that act as shock absorbers, possibly leading to plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Additional ailments that affect the feet that are prevalent among the elderly include toenail fungus, arthritis, and hammertoe. These may affect the foot structure and may cause the foot to look deformed. A sense of independence may be compromised, and the feet may develop a reduced range of motion. Many foot conditions in seniors can be remedied by choosing shoes that fit correctly and having routine podiatry visits. A podiatrist can correctly trim the toenails and detect uncomfortable conditions such as Morton’s neuroma, peripheral artery disease, and foot ulcers in diabetic patients. If you have questions about possible conditions that can happen to the feet as the aging process occurs, please confer with a podiatrist who can accurately address any concerns you may have.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Peter C. Smith from Lancaster Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lancaster, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.